The Beaver
The Beaver Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: The Beaver
| Movie | The Beaver |
| Release Year | 2011 |
| Director | Jodie Foster |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 91 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Beaver (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Beaver are led by Mel Gibson . The supporting cast, including Jodie Foster and Jennifer Lawrence , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Beaver does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Beaver has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Beaver
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2011, The Beaver is a Drama film directed by Jodie Foster. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mel Gibson.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Suffering from a severe case of depression, toy company CEO Walter Black begins using a beaver hand puppet to help him open up to his family. With his father seemingly going insane, adolescent son Porter pushes for his parents to get a divorce. The screenplay takes time to develop Mel Gibson's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Mel Gibson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: The Beaver
The Beaver Ending Explained: Directed by Jodie Foster, The Beaver wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Mel Gibson. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Beaver reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Beaver?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mel Gibson or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Beaver
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $21.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $970.8K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Beaver Budget
The estimated production budget for The Beaver is $21.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Beaver
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Beaver Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Beaver Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about The Beaver age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Beaver is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Beaver is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Beaver worth watching?
The Beaver is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Beaver parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Beaver identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Beaver?
The total duration of The Beaver is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
